For Parents

 

Clubfoot information

What is clubfoot?

Clubfoot is a deformity present at birth that twists the foot downward and inward, making walking difficult or impossible. While it cannot be prevented, it can be corrected using a relatively inexpensive treatment process called the Ponseti method.

Read more about Clubfoot

Can it be treated?

Yes, clubfoot can be treated! We adhere to treatment through the Ponseti method, the gold standard of clubfoot treatment. The treatment phase involves weekly casting for four to eight weeks and, in most cases, a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure to lengthen the Achilles tendon, called a tenotomy. After this, in the maintenance phase, children wear a foot abduction brace for 23 hours a day for three months, and then at night and nap time until the age of five. Children born with clubfoot can take their first steps on completely straight feet thanks to early intervention and to this relatively simple, cost-effective treatment method.

Where can I get help?

We currently operate partner clubfoot clinics in 16 countries in Africa and Latin America. Click the “find a clinic” button below to see if there is a Hope Walks partner clubfoot clinic near you. If not, please contact us and we’ll do our best to refer you to someone who can help.

Find a Clinic

Parent Education Tool

A guide for parents of children with clubfoot. Download in your language.

English
Amharic
Chinchewa
Creole
French
Kinyarwanda
Kirundi
Portuguese
Spanish
Swahili

Video Resources

Hope Walks has been working in partnership with Medical Aid Films to create four films about clubfoot and the Ponseti method of treatment. These films are used to train parent advisors, as well as an educational tool for parents. Videos (with and without English/French subtitles) are available for streaming or download by clicking the images below. Currently the videos are in English, French and Portuguese. Within the next few weeks, Spanish, Amharic and Kinyarwanda translations will be available.

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Stories from Our Families

Who saved whom?

Who saved whom?

Nov 9, 2022

Fabrice in Rwanda Difficult medical challenges have a way of adding stress to any family. When Fabrice was born with clubfoot, tension was high between his mom Theodosia and dad Jean Claude. “We don’t have deformity in my family,” Jean Claude would say. He washed his...

Strength through faith

Strength through faith

Nov 1, 2022

Mumbere in DRC Mumbere’s mom, Kahindiro, has a faith that gives her strength and peace. It was this faith that got her through the challenges she faced when Mumbere was born with clubfoot. Even though her in-laws personally blamed her for the birth defect, she never...

Uncomfortable questions

Uncomfortable questions

Oct 14, 2022

Martine in DRC New moms often have many questions when their child is born, “What will they become when they grow up? What will their life look like?” Christine also had many questions when her daughter Martine was born: “Have I sinned against God? Is it witchcraft?...